I sighed as I made my way down the road, thoughts clouding my head as the weight of my mission hung over me. I was neither for Barradale, or Adanon. The Ferra Stone belonged to no one, and I thought that the kingdoms would be smart enough to figure this out, but obviously I was wrong. The stone needed to be destroyed, or we would repeat history. Surely they could see that! A frown had made it's way onto my usually relaxed face, and I couldn't help but feel apprehensive. If I didn't manage to get there before everyone else, the world as we knew it would end. I knew I would probably meet others on the road that were also looking for the stone, and I hoped they wouldn't try to stop me.



As I made my way out of the forest and onto the road, I was relieved to see a familiar face. The Mage Eliza and I had crossed paths many times, and I was hoping that perhaps she would accompany me on the journey to the ruins of the ancient kingdoms. "Eliza, Cormamin lindua ele lle." (Translation: My heart sings to see thee.) The mage was rather well known in my kingdom, as she helped us to disband a gang of dark elves that had tried to cause issues. I owed her a great deal, and I knew I could trust her.

Kurhz

I had been travelling with Eliza for quite some time now, though I could not say that we knew each other well enough to be friends. As far as I was concerned, I was merely being paid for whatever services she required, and that was that. She never spoke often to me, save for giving me directions or simply making observational comments. No real conversation. I could appreciate that myself, for my people had no particular love for lengthy speech.

The most she spoke to me of was her mission to find some sort of stone. I supposed she assumed I knew what it was, for she hadn't given me any real information about this stone, only that it seemed that nearly the whole world was looking for it. I suppose it must be important, then, only she'd told me that her mission was to destroy it. I know nothing of magic stones nor do I care that the other people wish to squabble over it. My people care not for the outside world or its happenings. Though she did seem to be relieved that I hadn't argued with her. Perhaps many do not wish this trinket to be destroyed. But again, I know very little about it. I left the leadership of my Clan to one of the Elders to go on this journey. His name is Galdenaz, he had been my tutor for a great period of my life. I trust him with that responsibility.

Presently, we came upon a road and were almost immediately greeted by an elf-man. I do not know his language, so I cannot tell what he said. Eliza seems to have understood him, however, and the aura is not hostile. I shall keep my blades sheathed, for now.
I readjusted the pack I had been tasked with carrying. It wasn't heavy, but I suspected that Eliza couldn't as easily carry it herself. It is, after all, why I am here.

Edit:
I had never seen the elf before now, but I recall Eliza mentioning just such a person in passing...what had she told me? Aside from 'being a friend', I cannot recall if she'd said anything more. Perhaps it was indeed this elf-man that she had been referring to. In truth, I had never seen an elf before--Dremora rarely travel far from the clans, and it is common opinion among us that elves are not fond of us. Though, because I had never seen one before, I cannot yet verify if that is true. This elf seemed to look just like a human to me, save for his ears, which looked more similarly to that of my own people, only straighter. I could now understand why humans frequently asked us if we were related to these elves--but I am not sure that we are. We differ in appearance too much, I think.

I sat on a log near the dying bed of coals eating the last of the rabbit Stephanus had caught early this morning. He had quickly gobbled up his share and was now attempting to guilt me into giving him mine. "You can have the bones, I don't particularly care for them anyways." I tell him as I toss a bone his way. He seemed to be happy with this compromise. "Silly bird." I mumble shaking my head. Once we were finished I gathered together my few things and set off, Stephanus taking flight ahead of me and quickly disappearing in the tree tops.

After about an hour I found the road leading to the village where the man is said to live near. There's a chance I could run into trouble if I take the road, but it would be much quicker than tracking through the forest. The road it is then. "Return Stephanus." I say aloud. The blue stone on the pendant briefly glowed and I could feel his spirit return to it. I'd summon him if he was needed but for now I think it's best that he not fly around drawing attention to us. I continue along the road keeping an eye out for anyone else.

ᴊᴜᴊᴜ

A solid hour has passed already, and my efforts were all for naught. I chose to sit down just a few minutes ago and watch but now I'm growing bored and -to be entirely honest- impatient with him. "Please Augen, don't do this to me. We're almost there. Come back!" My over-sized kitten was currently about elbow deep the river and absolutely refuses to come out. Although he wouldn't know what to do with it afterwards, he's trying to catch some of the fish swimming through the rushing water. Stupid cat. He's only ever managed to catch one in his life out of the dozens of attempts he's made but he can never be discouraged of anything. Just distracted. We ran out of treats the other day so there goes that option. I looked around and tried to think of something I hadn't already done but came up with (surprise) nothing. Another sigh furls into the air and I get up, dusting off my pants. "Alright I'm leaving" I announce, as if he understands what I'm saying. The feline continues to play happily in the water and I turn around to step back onto the trail connecting the villages. Despite rumors, the forests around here are pretty safe but unfortunately too many people believe the silly gossip so the untouched path is starting to become covered by the growing foliage. Hoping this plan works, I deliberately refrain from looking over my shoulder and resume my trek along the traveler's route.

It's a quiet walk. There's a soft crunch beneath my feet for even the slightest movement, and the local birds are singing their little hearts out. But the noises are much more pleasing than that of rambunctious bazaars and or anyplace else that has a large crowds. I don't have a problem with villagers but sometimes its nice to just take a step back and enjoy the nature. Sure enough, a few minutes later, I can hear Augen even before he runs along to brush his head under my palm. I chuckle and runs my fingers through his fur. "You big baby." He purrs loudly before running ahead to explore. I can't see anything from here yet but I think we're almost at the village.

---

ɴᴏɪʀ

[TBD]

So here I am sitting in the last Inn and pub, the last respite of civilization before the Ferra mountains and the wilds that surround them waiting for hopefully a sound party of travellers and adventures to come looking for the guy with the map...

"Hay barkeep, another round over here!" I say in a loud voice to the gruff looking man behind the bar, then I settle in for what will probably be a long wait.

"Nae saian luume, Mellonamin." (Translation: It has been too long, my friend.) I replied, giving him a warm smile. "It seems you've joined me and my companion at a perfect time, we're almost to the village." I looked down the road, and already I could see the shapes of some buildings through the trees and the mist. The mist gave off an eerie feeling, and only added to the menacing sight of the mountains. The further we got from the two kingdoms, the more it was revealed how poorly the people were truly fairing. Out here, they didn't have the protection that the people closer to the capitals. It was more evident that famine and sickness were plaguing the nations, even though the rulers would have their people believe otherwise. I sighed as we entered the village, and looked at the sight around me. There weren't many women and children here, but the few that were here were far too skinny, and they obviously only lived here because they weren't accepted by other villages. This was the last resort for the unfortunate souls that were born half breeds, and were rejected by both Adanon and Barradale, and the runaways who wanted nothing to do with either kingdoms. The buildings were worn and rotten, and the men were rough looking. I usually avoided this area at all costs, but unfortunately I had not choice in the matter this time. "Where should we look first?" I asked Elion to break the silence that had fallen.





I had been told that further from the sanctuary of the two kingdom the people were poor and things were bad, but I had never imagined it would be like this. How could anyone live this way? As I looked at the people, I could see that there was no light in their eyes, no hope. I knew one of the reasons they were forced to live this way was because of the rivalry between the kingdoms. Granted, it wasn't just innocent people here. There were slave traders, bounty hunters, dark elves, and dwarves here as well, but a good majority of the population looked as though they had been rejected by the kingdoms and were just trying to survive however they could. I was snapped out of my thoughts as I heard Eliza speak to me. "Well, this place isn't very big so there aren't that many places to search. Perhaps someone at the Pub over there would be able to help us narrow down the search." I responded. I was sure we'd get at least a little help, most people here would do anything for money.

Huron Tiberius Gandor

After another few minutes of sipping on a really bad ale two new faces appeared in the doorway, no I'm sure I've seen them before... Ah yes! The elf was the prince of the well the elves, even here he was sure to be recognized, and the other I'm still not sure about. She was much rougher around the edges and looked like she might actually belong in a place like this, if she hadn't walked in with him I may not have even noticed her. It was obvious she was a mage though, magical energy was flowing into and out of her, and even that seemed familiar to me. Carefully keeping my own energies suppressed I study them as I sip my ale, is it possible these are the first of of the people looking for the man with the map? A moment later I decide to wait and see, perhaps they will reveal their intentions on their own...

Kurhz

I listened to their conversation as I continued to watch the surroundings. The state of this place didn't surprise me as much as it surprised them. If anything, it just showed how ignorant their people could be, but that was an opinion I'd keep to myself. Not that I knew or understood much of the world outside of my Clan, but to not expect to see poverty seemed to me rather a ridiculous assumption. The elf-man suggested the pub. I wondered if he was just interested in a drink. Though it was true that people talk in bars, usually they talk and don't know what they say. But we shall see.

My trip along the road was, thankfully, uneventful. I passed a few here and there but all kept to themselves and didn't pose a problem. As I entered the village I was reminded of the state that many people on the outskirts of the kingdoms live in. I've been blessed by being able to live in the capital, but I haven't completely forgotten what life is like outside. On some of our more extended hunting trips we'd commonly see places like this but there was something different here. It's sad, dark, and desperate. Not to mention the uneasy gutt feeling these mountains give me.

With no better idea of where to start looking I head to the local Inn and Pub, perhaps I can catch some gossip of this man if nothing else. When I enter I do my best not to look out of place. I don't hesitate at the door looking for what to do or where to go, rather I walk directly to the bar and take a seat. "I'll have a pint." I said to the bar maid when she approached me. Upon getting my drink I take a sip then glance around discreetly.